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When skunks come for a visit
Very few people have a problem identifying a skunk. Their jet-black body, with white stripes down the back, makes them easy to spot. But their most prominent identifying feature is the smell. Once you have smelled a skunk, it is hard to forget. Skunks are carnivores, but they tend to eat both plants and animals. According to wildlife experts, skunks eat grasshoppers, beetles, crickets, field and house mice, rats, cottontail rabbits, and other small mammals and birds that make their nests on or near the ground. In the wild, a skunk's native habitat is a combination of clearings, pastures and open land bordering a forest. Its home is usually underground or in a hollow log. Skunks become a nuisance when their burrowing or feeding habits conflict with man. They may burrow under porches or buildings by entering foundation openings. They dig holes in lawns, golf courses and gardens in search of insect grubs that are found under the surface. Skunks have also been known to kill poultry and eat the eggs. If a skunk decides to take to residence under your house or out-building, what do you do? The following steps are suggested. Step 1. Seal all possible entrances along the foundation leaving what you think is the main burrow open. Step 2. Sprinkle a layer of flour 2 feet in circumference on the ground in front of the hole. Step 3. After dark, examine the flour for tracks which will indicate that the skunk has left the building to feed. If tracks are not present, check again in an hour. Step 4. After the den is empty, cover the remaining entrance immediately. This may be done by covering the opening with wire mesh, sheet metal or concrete. If re-access can be gained by the skunk digging another hole, obstructions should be buried 1.5 to 2 feet deep. If your house or building has no underpinning, exclusion may be a problem. At this time trapping becomes an option. Live traps work well. Skunks are frequently caught using canned, fish-flavored cat food, or bread coated with peanut butter, sardines or chicken entrails. A canvas cover should be placed over the trap before setting it to reduce the chances of the skunk discharging its scent. The canvas creates a dark secure environment for the animal. If you come face to face with a skunk, keep in mind that skunks are mild-tempered animals which will not defend themselves unless they are cornered or harmed. Warnings are given before discharging their scent by rapidly stamping their fore-feet and arching their tails over their backs. A slow, quiet retreat is recommended. Loud noises and quick, aggressive actions should be avoided. The information used in today's article comes from a notebook titled "Prevention and Control of Wildlife Dam- age" which was put together by wildlife experts from the Great Plains region and the University of Nebraska. A complete copy of the article detailing control and prevention of skunks can be picked up at the Emanuel County Extension Office on Anderson Street in Swainsboro. Mark Crosby is director of Emanuel County Extension Service.
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